With games being played on the beaches of Dubai to the parks of California, there’s no doubting that padel is now the world’s fastest-growing sport. The newly released Playtomic Global Padel Report 2025, published in partnership with PwC’s Strategy&, paints a dynamic picture of a sport on the rise – powered by technology, community, and unprecedented international interest.
A court-building boom
Padel’s growth is nothing short of explosive. In 2024 alone, more than 3,282 new clubs and 7,000 courts sprang up worldwide – that’s about nine clubs opening every day. The global court count has now soared past 50,000, with a projected 81,555 expected by 2027. What was once a niche European pastime is now played in over 90 countries, with hot spots emerging in the UAE, Mexico, the UK, Portugal, India, Indonesia, and the United States.
The US awakens
The United States is now fully in play. With 352 new courts built last year across states like Florida, Texas, and California, the US is poised to become the sport’s next major frontier. Interestingly, padel is finding synergy with pickleball: nearly 30% of US pickleball venues now also offer padel, compared to just 5% a year ago.
The UK’s social revolution
The UK isn’t just building courts – it’s reinventing how the sport is played. Now the fifth-largest market globally for games played, the UK has over 840 courts across 275 clubs, and its revenue per court is among the highest in the world – up 74% from 2023. It also leads the way in social match formats, with more people finding friends and fitness through “open matches” than anywhere else.
Digital backbone
Behind padel’s surge is a story of smart digitalisation. Clubs using Playtomic’s platform earn 3 to 5 times more revenue than those that don’t. From app-based bookings to automated match-making and performance analytics, padel’s digital edge is driving both player retention and club growth.
Players keep coming back
Padel’s stickiness is one of its biggest strengths. The report reveals that 92% of players return after their first game – a stat that few sports can rival. Whether it’s the low barrier to entry, the doubles format, or the friendly social environment, padel offers a mix that keeps people coming back for more.
Eyes on the Olympics
As padel’s global appeal deepens, its ambition grows too. The sport is campaigning for inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Summer Olympic Games, a milestone that would crown its meteoric rise and attract even more funding, visibility, and grassroots participation.
From club to centre court
At the elite level, padel is pushing boundaries through events like the Hexagon Cup, a hybrid competition linking amateur and pro players under team banners. With 30,000 fans attending in Madrid, it shows that padel can captivate audiences well beyond the club.
What’s next?
- 81,555 courts globally by 2027
- US and UK growth to accelerate
- Revenue diversification through tech, lessons, and open play
- Asia and the Middle East emerging as premium destinations
As the Playtomic report makes clear, padel is no longer a trend – it’s a movement. Social, inclusive, tech-savvy and growing faster than ever, it’s redefining what modern sport looks like. Whether you’re picking up a racket for the first time or investing in the next big thing, 2025 is the year to watch padel hit the global mainstream.
In the report, Playtomic co-founder Pablo Carro said: “Yes, the numbers are exciting. A 26% increase in club openings, 7,000 new courts built worldwide, and record-breaking player retention. But what really matters now is not just what we build, but how we build it together. Because the truth is: we are not just competing with other sports. We’re competing with every possible way people can spend their time and attention. In a world of overwhelming entertainment options and deep uncertainty, the relevance of padel will depend on our ability to create not just courts, but compelling experiences, sustainable, inclusive, and digitally native. What lies ahead is an opportunity to position padel as a global sport of the future. One that unites passion, innovation, and community. But seizing that opportunity means embracing a higher standard, from operations to storytelling, from user experience to long-term vision.”
Download the full Playtomic Global Padel Report 2025 at playtomic.com
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